Jim McCarron & Mike Wilson Haul in 2017 Coach of the Year Awards

The California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) recently announced that men's track & field and cross country Head Coach Jim McCarron was named the 2016 Cross Country Coach of the Year following a season in which he led his squad to a 2016 State Championship. Additionally, Riverside's assistant coach Mike Wilson was named the 2017 Assistant Men's Track & Field Coach of the Year following a season in which the Tigers finsihed third at the 2017 Track & Field State Championships.

McCarron lead his team to a cross country state title for the first time in 22 years after placing ahead of powerhouse programs consisting of Glendora and Mt. SAC. It was the first time in 12 years that an Orange Empire Conference (OEC) member reigned supreme on the grand stage. McCarron followed up in the spring of 2017 by leading his team to a third-place finish.

"It feels great to bring a cross country title after 22 years," said McCarron, who has established himself as one of the strongest coaches in the OEC and statewide. "They are a great team and stepped up as underdogs to bring a title to RCC."

Wilson earned 2017 Men's Track & Field Assistant Coach of the Year for the first time in his coaching career. He coached multiple student-athletes to the highest peak with Michael Simpson hauling in gold in the steeplechase, while Terry Jackson placed third in the same event. Furthermore, he helped coach Isaiah Quiambao qualify for the state finals in the 10K.